Diaphragm valve



May 12, 1953 R, FORTUNE 2,638,306

DIAPHRGH VALVE original Filed nec. 1s. 1943 3 sheets-snee: 1

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Patented May 12, 1953 DIAPHRAGM VALVE Ronald Fortune, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Original application December 1.5, 1943, Serial No.

10 Claims. l f

'This invention relates to diaphragm valves and particularly to e. valve'which employs a dual seating valve `member interposed between the diaphragm and the fluid orifice controlled by the valve.

This application is a division of my abandoned application, Serial Number 514,344, filed December 14, 19113.

Diaphragm valves up tc the present time have largely been of a type wherein the diaphragm has formed the valve member by means oi which the fluid vflow through the body is throttled `or completely shut off. In this type of construction the diaphragm has necessarily been squeezedv between the seat of the valve body and the valve operating spindle and associated mechanism. Pinching or squeezing of the diaphragm between two solid members rapidly deteriorates the rubber or other flexible material of the diaphragm and more especially when the valve is closed for long periods or when the diaphragm is repeatedly opened or closed in daily service.

Many acids, oils orsolvents are inherently destructive to rubber, -synthetic and other fabricated materials and the life of these materials is more rapidly shortened when the diaphragm is caused partially to wear or deteriorate rby being squeezed or compressed between two solid metal members such that fluids of the character specied more easily attack it.

It has previously been proposed to employ a valve structure, incorporating a diaphragm merely as a sealing member, and to employ in conjunction with the diaphragm a valve member therebelcw which will perform the actual fluid flow controlling function. This obviat-es some of the disadvantages of the more usual type of ydiaphragm valve since it avoids the squeezing yof the diaphragm between two solid members butit has other disadvantages such as forming an impediment to the free flow of fluid through the valve since the valve member controlling the iiow of fluid is disposed ypartially in the pathoi Moreover, such valve member `may also operate to clog the system with which it is employed, particularly where the iiuid is a conveying medium for solid or substantially solid particles which may tend to lodge between the diaphragm and the valve member such as `when the valve member is openedbetween fully` open and fully closed position.

Finally, both types of valve referred to may be subject to distortion and diaphragm iiutter, i. e., they are subject to the action of vacuum which will cause the diaphragm to pulsate or may even Divided and this application June 4, 1945, Serial No. 31,117

(Cl. R51-w31) 2 draw parts of the diaphragm downwardly which is a further cause of errosive or abrasive deterioration of the diaphragm and also a restriction or impediment in the fluid flow through the valve.

The present invention obviates these disadvantages of the prior yart and produces further advantages.

It is wan object of the present invention to eliminate ,squeezing or compression of the diaphragm by providing a diaphragm valve wherein the diaphragm acts as a sealing member only and operates in conjunction with a valve member for controlling the iiow of iuid `through the valve.

A. further object of the invention is to provide a valve oi .this character incorporating means for positively locking -`the Adiaphragm in the open position when the valve is opened, thus to eliminate flutter or distortion of the ydiaphragm 'due to vacuum and pulsating pressures.

A further obj-ect of the invention is to provide a valve voi' this character which 4may be readily opened and closed, regardless of the effects of pressure orr vacuum which cannot be avoided where the diaphragm acts `as the iiow controlling member of the valve.

A still `further object of the invention is `to provide a valve of the .character described wherein the valve .member acts as a diiiusin'g .member for the impngng fluid land will not impede the iiow of the latter.

A still further object of the invention is to provide va construction of this kind which will avoid clogging and particularly in the case where solid material may be #suspended in the fluid.

Another `obiect-of the invention is to provide a valve of this general character wherein the valve spindle is completely enclosed avoiding dust proof packings and the like.

With these and other objects in view which will generally appear hereinafter the invention will be fully understood 'by reference tc the following detailed specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section taken through a valve of the present invention illustrating the vali/'ein lthe open position.

Fig, 2 is a view Acorresponding to Fig. l but illustrating the valve in the closed position.

3 is an enlarged detail sectional fragmentary view of .analternative Amanner to that shown in Figs. '1 .and 2 of cormecting the valve ymember to the valve operating spindle.

Fig. l `is a transverse section taken through the bonnet of the valve to illustrate interior parts thereof in plan view.

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the valve partly in transverse section illustrating the peripheral spillway surrounding the fluid passage in the valve.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation partly in section to show the sloping character of the spillway to provide for a full volume, free ilow of fluid through the valve body.

Fig. 7 is a transverse section taken through the valve body just above the valve seat to illustrate in plan the general character of the spillway, and converging outlet.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a modification of the valve member to illustrate draining passages.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section taken through a valve of the present invention illustrating a modified form of valve member.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the valve member of Fig. 9 with the covering partially cut away, and,

Fig. 11 is a section taken through an alternative form of valve member.

Referring to the drawings, A indicates a valve casingrhaving an inlet passage Ill, an outlet passage I I and an intermediate communicating passageway I2. The valve casing has an opening I3 above the passageway I2 which is enclosed by the valve bonnet B.

According to the present invention the opening I3 is sealed by a diaphragm I4 which is clamped between the adjacent surfaces of the valve casing A and the bonnet B and secured such as by the cap screws I5 (see Fig. 5). This diaphragm, however, only acts as a sealing medium between the bonnet and the casing or body while the huid control is effected by means of a valve member C which is positioned inwardly of the diaphragm and disposed concentrically with the passage I2 and designed to be moved towards or away from the valve seat I5 which defines the passageway I2. The valve member C has a graded working surface such as the semispherical surface I'l, which is designed to Seat on the valve seat Iii. The valve member C is carried on a valve spindle I8 and connected therewith through the diaphragm preferably by means of a screw threaded member I 9, which passes through the center of the diaphragm and connects with the valve member C as shown. In this connection it should be noted that the valve spindle I3 at its lower end is formed with a shoulder 2D whereas the hub 2I' of the valve member C likewise forms a corresponding shoulder and between these shoulders the surrounding portion of the diaphragm I4 is secured. However, by reason of a spacing portion 22 of the spigot the connection'obviates actual pinching or undue compression of the diaphragm.

Moreover, it will be noted from Figs. 1 and 2 the inner portions of the valve casing A and valve bonnet B are bevelled, rounded or otherwise graded as at 23, at the point where these parts engage the periphery of the diaphragm so that the latter is not subjected to biting edges at a main point of fleXure. In these general features of mounting and support therefor the diaphragm I4 is protected.

The valve member C as is obvious is designed to be operated from the open position shown in Fig. 1 to the closed position shown in Fig. 2 and to intermediate positions to control the flow from the inlet ID to the outlet II. In operating between these two positions the diaphragm It is flexed either to the maximum degree in each direction as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or to lesser degree when the valve member C is positioned in intermediate positions. In order to support the diaphragm in the open position the interior of the bonnet is provided with a shaped flange 2l?. of generally annular formation as shown particw larly in Fig. 4. The lower surface of this nange is concaved as shown to support the outer side of the diaphragm Iri from pressure within the valve, when the valve member C is in the OD-'in position, whereas by means of a follower inember in the form of a plurality of uniform, radial and preferably equi-angular fingers 2t either mounted on or forming an integral part of the valve spindle It, the outer surface of the diaphragm is supported when in its lower position (as shown in Fig. 2) or intermediate positions. In this respect the fingers 265 are formed with a lower curved surface 2l which is designed to bear against the outer surface of the diaphragm and provide for equally distributed radially disposed support for the diaphragm against pressure thereon from within the valve. Thus, the diaphragm is supported, in the several open positions of the valve, against distortion due to pressure which may be imposed on the inner surface thereof. It is of course entirely relieved of such pressure when the valve member C is completely closed.

The radially disposed ngers 2% are concentrically arranged within the bonnet B while supporting flange 24 is slotted as at 28 to provide for the passage of the fingers when they traverse the general plane of the flange during movement of the valve member C towards or away from its seat I5. Moreover, in order to obviate any nos sible lateral displacement of the fingers or possible rotation of the spindle Iii the interior circular wall of the bonnet is provided with the in wardly projecting spaced apart parallel ribs forming therebetween the guideways 3Q which thus guide the fingers during their vertical movement. This provides a simplified construction wherein the concentrically located uniform nngers 25 are housed completely within a simple. uniform and symmetrical bonnet, :facilitating the assembly of the fingers, either opposed pair of which may be disposed in the guideway 3H. Moreover, it produces a bonnet construction which may be readily cast and is advantageous both from the standpoint of outward appearance and manufacturing economy.

In order to avoid collapse or distortion of the diaphragm, due to vacuum created within the valve or from breathing, throbbing or fluttering when subjected to pulsating or sub-atmospheric pressure, the valve member C on its upper side is provided with upwardly projecting means pren erably in the form of an upwardly projecting peripheral rim SI which as shown in Fig. l is designed to engage the inner surface of the diaphragm and thus hold it firmly against its supporting flange 2d and in effect lock the diaphragm against movement. In this connection it should be noted that the diaphragm, when in the fully open position of the valve, and locked as described, is rigidly supported substantially midway between the center of the diaphragm and its outer clamped edges. Moreover, by reason of the fact that the rim SI is spaced only slightly from the diaphragm when the latter is in its lowermost position during the seating of the valve member C (Fig. 2) it is obvious that when the valve member C ifs-.opened between the meme positions the .protecting rim will simtarly engage the diaphragm, .thus to obvate'this distortion or collapse. Consequently, this frequent canse of Wear .of the diaphragm in a diaphragm valve isobviated.

The valve member `C is preferably provided with a cover 3.*2 whicli'nraybe 'of rubber, or other suitable 'material as .may be re. ined and the upwardly 'projecting means for eng-aging the diaphragrn such 'the rim 5l preferably `#forms a part of this covering. However, it may he forme-c1 without a covering and the proiecting means 3l can be otherwise formed.

The valve member` 1C, however, is 'preferably oi semi-spherical shape preferably covered to fpl'm vide a resilient lspherical Contact with an irreg`1 ular or nos-precision seat Aas would be the .case were the inside of the valve body to be uni-:veniar coated such as with vitreous vlena kel or .any iother forni yof acid resisting substance. Furthermore. it can employ an impervious and corrosion proof covering so that all met l parts can be .sealed against contact with corrosive or abrasive fluids which may pass through thevalve.

The valve member C can :be connected to the spindle construction as shown in Figs. 'i and 2 which provides a simple construction 4.pa'rtlcularly adaptable `for small valves and one which vprovides for a Lunit part integration for the spindle 'I8 supporting fingers 2b :and screw threaded centering member i9. However, a flexible com nection .between the vspindle .i8 and 'the nngers 26 .and valve member =C may 'be provided, .Such

a construction is illustrated in Fig.. I3 wherein the fingers 26 are formed as :a unitary part rin themselves and the hub 533 thereof is siotted as at 34 to receive the collar vkey 135 lformed .on the end of the spindle 16. rThe collar key 35 is preferably formed with a .lower `partly spherical oi 'the 'hand wheel with' consequent rotation of the member 38 the `spindle 113 is `caused to raise .for tower vin'tically. 1n the `upper position illustrated [in Ail the Jip-per end of 'the spindle `vlsloused `within the socket "39 vwhereas the depth of the socnetas shown in Fig. 2 permits the required `.vertical movement. :By Athis construc- V tion, therefore, the spindle is completely ensurface `and which can be slipped freely into the hub slot '34 vto formA a iiexible coupling las well as a safety device for retaining screw 36 in position. The latter passes through the center of the hub 33 and forms the means of .securing the valve memberC .in its proper position. When assembled this modified construction provides a radially pivoted floating ball `contact between the lower spherical surface vof the valve .member C and the seat I6 of the valve permitting the ball like surface of the valve member .C to make an adjustably leak proof t with the seat.

This modified .form of construction is advantageously employable in large valves `as it prevents injurious torsional stresses from .being transmitted to the flexible diaphragm .as would be caused by rotatably assembling the hub 2.4 (Figs. l and 2) and its covering under combined torsional friction `and compressing when fitting these components into sealing contact with the inner face of the diaphragm 14 at :a location where the central perforation of the diaphragm surrounds the threaded member.

The valve member C is vertically operated Iby the valve spindle I8 preferably by vscrew .threadv ing the upper .end of the spindle l.as at 31,"..the screw threading being designed to mesh with' the internally threaded .rotatable member -38 which in the preferred form of rcconstruction .takes @the form of a thimble .or socketed member ,having enclosed socket 39. The member 3.8 isr-otatably mounted in the shroud 40 of the bonnet Band designed to be rotated by the yhand :wheel 4l which .is-rigidly .secured to the member .38 in any suitable manner here .shown by means of the grub screw 42. Therefore, uponrotation as to provide :a spillway closed in a. .simple manner eliminating the necessity -zof `dust seals-packing and the like, the latter being unnecessary Toy 1reason of the sealing dia,- phragfm ill.

In addition to the advantages derived by the .construction .above :described thev internal structure ofthe valve casing is .formed in such a `way as to combine the valve member vC and 'the sealing diaphragm to provide for a structure which will permit of a free smooth flow of the materialxpassing through the valve. .this connection the valve Lcasing is so termed 43 (see Figs. 5-'7 partieularly) fand 'which iin effect forms a .nozzle -M surrounding the 'passage i2 through which the fluid lis projected against the .concentrically iocated, .shaped valve member C which thus acts as a diifusin'gemember to diffuse the flow of liquid from the passage :12 into the spillway '43 surrounding the nozzle M. 'The spills/ay is radially extended to a substantial degree :beyond the diameterof the passage to provide for a full volume how and :is gradually downwardly sloped on each side .of the nozzle All as indicated at 45 (Fig. 6) to smoothly vdirect the flow of material to the fuli area. `outlet ll and thus the valve provides for 4a continuous smooth full volume flow and 4is self draining. Moreover, by reason of the lfact that the valve member C is formed with upwandly projecting means (the rim 3 I.) to contact the under .surface .of diaphragm `Ill when the valve member C is :between its .extreme positions, it-Will be obvious .that in the case of fluid carrying dense solids in suspension, such solids :are prevented :from lodging betweenthe valve member C and the diaphragm which otherwise might build up in eiect to .clog the valve or otherwise might tend to restrict the opening of the valve to the desired degree and with consequent acceleraton of wear on the diaphragm M, aswell as restriction of flow.

In order to eliminate the lodging of impurities or the retention of acid or corrosive liquid between the valve member C and the diaphragm as in the :case where the valve member is only slightly opened and before. actual contact takes place between the rim '31 and the diaphragm 1M, the valve vmember C may take the modified form shown in Fig. 8 wherein the rim Si is provided with a plurality of radially directed notches or slots 46 'which will thus permit the drainage of `any uid lodging in this area.

When the valve member C is only slightly open for substantially long periods there can be a tendency lfor such denser solids' or sticky ingredients to adsorb to the upper surface of the valve member or to build up between this surface and the inner surface of the diaphragm ld.

This disadvantage is obviated largely by the convexed upper surface of the valve member which serves, with the assistance of the velocity of the fluid, to .shed the solids into `the flow. However, if such solids or sticky ingredients should adhere or build up on this upper surface they are accommodated by the valve without affecting or substantially affecting .its operation. In this connection .the valve member, preferably provided with resilient covering and preferably providing Vfor pneumatic action will, in effect, accommodate such material in combination with the diaphragm. For instance, in the preferred form of construction the valve member C` takes the form of a hollow member having the internal chamber 48 with which communicate a plurality of openings 49 disposed in the top of the valve member and located radially of its center. These openings preferably occur in conjunction with an annular groove or channel U and thus the openings are formed through a thinner web of material 5I in the top of the valve member bctween the peripheral upwardly projecting rim 52 and upwardly projecting central hub portion 53. Consequently as a result of this construction, if solid or sticky particles lodge between the upper surface of the valve member C and diaphragm I4 the substantial and yieldable cushion provided by the valve covering as it extends over the channel and orices or openings 49, will yield to trap or accommodate such particles. Moreover, as the valve is again returned to closed or partly open position the flexing of the covering of the valve to normal position will tend to project such particles from the surface of the valve and they will, with the assistance of the velocity of the fluid, be' carried away in the flow. Likewise, if the particles tend to build up they will be broken down -by this action.

In Figs. 9 and 10 an altenative form of valve construction is illustrated. This follows the same principles as those of the previous forms oi construction and incorporates the same advantages but provides in addition other advantages. This construction of valve member may be advantageously employed where the valve is used for uids carrying dense or sticky solids in suspension. In this alternative construction the valve member C is altered in shape .so far as its upper portion is concerned and preferably in general construction. The upper portion of the valve member is preferably arcuate `or substantially convex rising to its highest level towards the center of the valve as indicated at al. It is thus formed with upwardly projecting means to engage the diaphragm I4 similarly to lock the diaphragm against distortion, col lapse, etc. in the open position of the valve.

The chamber d8 constitutes a pneumatic chamber which may be precharged, preferably with air, to any suitable pressure to assure pneurnaic action after the resilient covering has been fastened to the surface of the valve mem ber by high tensile adhesion. This will assure a positive expelling action in respect to any particles may lodge on the upper surface of the valve member.

In Fig. il a valve member is shown incorporating an air inlet and sealing valve. In this construction the chamber 43 is of annular form surrounding the central hub 55 which extends axially through the valve member. In the lower portion of the hub the valve bore 56 is provided communicating by a suitable port or ports 51 with the chamber 48. The valve bore 56 is closed at one end by a screw threaded plug E@ which by means of a suitable spring 59 is designed to urge the air valve G against its seat to conm trol the air inlet port 6I, which communicates with the screw threaded bore 62 for receiving the mounting screw 36. In this way, therefore, the valve may be charged with air to provide for desired internal pressure which may accentuate the flexing action of' the covering at 54 in order positively to project particles from the upper surface of the valve member which may have lodged there before or during movement of the valve from partially open to full open position.

As a result of this pneumatic construction of valve member C any part of solids which may be trapped between the valve member and the diaphragm will not restrict the i'ull opening of the valve as said trapped ingredients become pocketed in the flexed portion 54 of the resilient covering subtending the annular pneumatic channel 5d and remain therein without affecting the desired operation and are automatically released immediately the Valve member C and inner surface of the diaphragm are parted, due to the reflexing or opposite flexing movement of the covering and pneumatic compensation from within the sealed air chamber of the valve member. i

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention produces a number of advantages. Salient among these are a shaped vaive member capable of electing a dual seating as between the valve seat and the diaphragm which will permit proper seating under conventional conditions when the valve is closed and which will lock the diaphragm against collapse, distortion, etc., when the valve is open; a construction which through combination and arrangement ,eliminates the necessity of packings, etc.; the provision of a combination employing the valve member as a diffuser with a co-operating spillway for a smooth, even full volume flow., a construction which is self draining; and one which will act to obviate restriction of flow or operation due to the presence of solid particles suspended in the liquid controlled by the valve.

It is obvious, of course, that modifications might be made in the various types of connection and support, etc., so that it will be understood that the disclosure herein made is designed to illustrate the general principles of the invention.

What I claim as my invention is:

i. A valve, comprising, a body portion and a bonnet having corresponding openings, a uidimpermeable flexible diaphragm clamped between said body portion and said bonnet across said openings whereby to seal said bonnet from said body portieri, an inlet and an outlet in said body portion, a circular passageway in said body portion connecting said inlet and said outlet. a stem mounted in said bonnet along the axis ci said diaphragm adapted to be moved toward and away from said passageway, a follower member connected to said stem, a valve member fastened to said stem below said diaphragm, adapted to cooperate with said passageway to open and close it, means for clamping said follower member, diaphragm and valve member at their centers, means in said bonnet against which the lree iiexing area of the diaphragm abuts when the valve is in fully opened position, said follower member having a convex suriace adjacent the outer surface of the diaphragm and being normally spaced from said diaphragm surface except at the central clamped portion, said valve member having an upper portion smaller in circumference than said openings in order to enable said upper portion to pass through said openings, the face of said valve member adjacent said diaphragm being spaced therefrom, except immediately surrounding the clamped center, when the Valve isin closed position, and being provided with means to lock said diaphragm in the region of its free flexing area against said means in said bonnet against which the free flexing area of the diaphragm abuts when the Valve is in fully opened position.

2. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1 in which the means for clamping the follower member, diaphragm and valve member at their centers comprises a screw, the head of which ts loosely within a recess in the center of said follower member and abuts against a counterbored shoulder in said recess, the stem of said screw passing through a central hole in said follower member and diaphragm and being threaded into a tapped hole in said valve member.

3. A Valve in accordance with claim 1 in which the means with which said valve member is provided to lock the diaphragm in the region of its free flexing area comprises an upwardly projecting peripheral rim on the surface of said member adjacent the diaphragm. A

4. A valve in accordance with claim 3 in which the peripheral rim is provided with a plurality of radially directed lotches to permit drainage of fluid from the upper surface of the valve member.

5. In a diaphragm valve employing a diaphragm asv a sealing member and a Valve member operable therewith to control the flow of fluid through the valve, said Valve membercomprising a body having a semi-spherical seat engaging surface, located inwardly of thel diaphragm and a substantially convex upper surface, said convex upper surface forming means engageable with the diaphragm when said Valve member is unseated for supporting said diaphragm against inward flexing mevoment, said valve member being hollow and covered with a resilient covering, said Valve member being formed with orifices in its upper surface to provide substantial inwardly flexible areas of the covering, the latter accommodating solid or semi-solid particles tending to lodge between the valve member and the diaphragm, said areas reflexing, when said valve member is moved in a direction away from the diaphragm, yto urge such particles from the. upper surface of the valve member.

6. In a diaphragm valve employing a diaphragm asa sealing member and a valve member operable therewith to control the flow of fluid through the valve, said valve member comprising a body having a semi-spherical seat engaging surface, located inwardly of the diaphragm and a substantially convex upper surface, said convex upper surface forming means engageable with the diaphragm when said valve member is unseated for supporting said diaphragm against inward flexing movement, said valve member being hollow and covered with a resilient covering, said valve member being provided with an annular channel in its upper surface and being oriced in the area of the channel to communicate with the interior of the valve member thereby to provide substantial inwardly flexible areas of the covering, the latter accommodating solid or semi-solid particles tending to lodge between the valve member and the diaphragm, said areas reflexing, when said valve member is moved in a direction away from the diaphragm, to urge such particles from the upper surface of the valve member.

7. In a valve assembly comprising a body portion and a bonnet having corresponding openings, a fluid-impermeable flexible diaphragm clamped between said body portion and said bonnet across said openings whereby to seal said bonnet from said body portion, an inlet and an outlet in said body portion, a passageway in said body portion connecting said inlet and said outlet, a stem mounted in said bonnet along the axis of said diaphragm adapted to be moved toward andaway from said passageway, and a follower member connected to said stem, the improvement comprising a Valve member fastened to said stem below said diaphragm, adapted to cooperate with said passageway to open and close it, said valve member having a rigid core completely enveloped by a resilient material, more resistant to corrosion than said core, except at the center of the surface of said member adjacent to the diaphragm, and means for locking said follower member, diaphragm and valve member together only at their centers, said diaphragm cooperating with the surface of the valve member adjacent to the diaphragm when the valve is assembled to completely seal the rigid core from contact with corrosive fluids when the Valve is in use.

8. The improvement in accordance with claim '7 in which the valve member is enveloped by rubber.

9. The improvement in accordance with claim 7 in which the valve member is semispherical in shape and enveloped by a resilient material.

10. The improvement in accordance with claim 7 in which the material enveloping the rigid core is resilient, the rigid core is substantially semispherical in shape and the surface thereof adjacent said diaphragm is provided with an annular channel forming an annular cavity between said enveloping material and the surface of said core.

RONALD FORTUNE.

References Cited in the flle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,647,823 Antisell Nov. 1, 1927 2,145,566 Corydon Jan. 31, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 3,642 Switzerland of 1891 217,029 Switzerland of 1941 264,406 Great Britain of 1927 

